Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reaffirmed that Israeli forces will maintain their positions in Lebanon, citing strategic oversight of several Israeli areas.
“We expect the Lebanese army and government to uphold their commitments under the ceasefire agreement,” Netanyahu stated during a military ceremony in Holon, south of Tel Aviv.
He also underscored the Israeli army's readiness to resume combat against Hamas at any moment, noting that Israeli forces have dismantled military infrastructures developed over decades with Iranian backing.
Netanyahu declared that the country is currently fighting on seven fronts against entities seeking its destruction. He reiterated his government’s core objectives: securing the release of all hostages, dismantling Hamas's military capabilities, and eliminating threats to Israeli citizens.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for supplying Israel with advanced weaponry, stressing that the new arms would significantly bolster ongoing operations.
On the issue of hostages, he confirmed that Israel has recovered 192 captives since the conflict began and pledged relentless efforts to secure the release of those still held.
The prime minister also reiterated Israel’s conditions for ending the war, chiefly the prevention of Hamas from regaining control of Gaza. He announced that Israeli forces would maintain operations in the West Bank, where tanks have been deployed for the first time in decades.
Turning his focus to Iran, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s opposition to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and highlighted extensive Israeli strikes against what he labeled the “Iranian axis of evil,” claiming these actions have drawn international support.
He also issued several warnings to the new Syrian administration, demanding that southern Syria be "completely demilitarized". "We will not allow Tahrir al-Sham forces or the new Syrian army to enter the area south of Damascus," he insisted.
"We demand the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, in the provinces of Qoneitra, Daraa and Sweida", he added.
He concluded by asserting that his government would not tolerate any threats against the Druze community in southern Syria.
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